England's World Cup fixtures

A nice touch from Marcus Rashford

14:37

Boss Southgate confident in squad balance

Manager Gareth Southgate is pleased with the squad he has announced, as you might expect him to be.

He said: “I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about,” said the England boss in a statement from the FA. “It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.

Gareth Southgate will begin contemplating his squad for next year's World Cup (Image: Ross Kinnaird/Getty)

“We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop. “The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.”

14:35

Players' reaction

Right back Kyle Walker said he was ``honoured’’ to be included in Southgate’s squad.

“Can’t wait to get there and do the fans proud! Thank you for all your kind messages!” he said on Twitter.

Young posted a picture of him as a boy in an England kit on Twitter along with the message: “Maybe this picture said I was gonna live my dream and go to a World Cup... dreams do come true.”

Former England striker Gary Lineker gave his backing to the inclusion of Loftus-Cheek and Alexander-Arnold.

He tweeted: “Particularly pleased that Gareth has gone with the exciting young double of double-barrelled prospects, Loftus-Cheek and Alexander-Arnold. Good luck.”

14:28

England World Cup squad announcement video in full

14:25

Is it too attacking?

There are four natural centre-halves, and two holding midfielders. Considering Gareth Southgate likes to play 3-5-2, there’s not much margin for injuries.

14:23

Fair to say the squad announcement has not gone down well with everyone

#bbcfootball World Cup squad absolutely stuffed full of defenders. Looks like we’ll be playing 8-1-1.

No wonder England never achieve anything when it comes to the World Cup. How can Southgate axe Jack Wilshere from the squad. The only Magical player they can afford. Laughable! pic.twitter.com/2hJgtQv65A